Two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo led Greece to an impressive 109-82 victory over the Dominican Republic in the Olympic qualifying tournament in Athens.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led Greece to an impressive 109-82 victory over the Dominican Republic in the Olympic qualifying tournament in Athens.
In just 18 minutes of play, he scored 32 points with a 100% shooting efficiency (11/11), along with 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and one “situation”. classic monster-block” made social networks flooded with outstanding videos about this situation.
Thomas Walkup added 17 points for Greece, who have a 27-point lead and can advance to the semi-finals of the tournament if they win against Egypt in their next match. Giannis’ younger brother, Kostas, also contributed to the victory with 4 points, 1 rebound and 1 steal in 11 minutes of play.
He appeared unaffected by the left calf injury that kept him out during the Milwaukee Bucks’ playoff series in April. He continuously attacked the basket, making 9 of 13 free throws and hitting his only three-pointer.
“Giannis loves it here. He loves representing his country,” said Greece coach Vassilis Spanoulis. “He’s very humble. He’s part of the team. For a superstar, this is not easy to find. … He’s focused on winning.”
The tournament in Greece is one of four events that determine the final four spots for men’s basketball at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Other tournaments are taking place in Latvia, Puerto Rico and Spain.
The FIBA Olympic qualifying tournaments include the 16 highest-ranked ineligible teams from the 2023 FIBA World Cup and the 3 highest-ranked countries by region in the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) world rankings. . Group stage matches at all four venues will continue through July 4, with the semi-finals taking place on July 6 and the final on July 7.
Ranking first or second in Group B in the preliminary stage will help the team led by coach Spanoulis advance to the knockout match against Croatia, Slovenia or New Zealand in the semi-finals. Reaching the final would provide a chance to secure a spot at the Olympics among the six nations.